[4] The painting presents a view from the deck of Leif Erikson's ship, looking out over the waves with land visible in the distance to the left.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this narrative of identity caused some conflict with Italian Americans, as the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus had a similar role in their assimilation process.

[5] Analyzing the painting in 2019, historian Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough says Leif "radiates strength and leadership" and is depicted with a purposefulness which contrasts with the other men in the image.

[6] Leiv Eirikson Discovering America won the Leif Erikson Memorial Association's contest and was part of the Chicago World's Fair.

[2] The catalogue for Norway's exhibition at the Chicago World's Fair lists the painting's name as Leif Erikson Discovering America.

Stina Högkvist, the department director at the National Museum explained the situation to the Aftenposten newspaper, saying; "The picture is a romanticization of Norwegians who went to America.

Eivor Evenrud, from Oslo City Council's Culture and Education Committee, called the decision "completely absurd.

"[11] In response to the criticism, Stina Högkvist apologized and clarified, stating that her remark was sloppy and poorly thought out, and that she didn't actually believe that the painting was colonialist.

[15] On 23 March 1936, during a ceremony held in National Statuary Hall, the copy was presented as a gift by the Norwegian Friends of America.